Director New Cell Prototyping

Director of New Cell Prototyping

Summary

Forge Nano Inc, a fast-growing materials company with a focus on manufacturing nano-scale coatings across a wide range of markets including lithium-ion batteries. The Director of New Cell Prototyping will be responsible for leading the transition of cell designs from R&D into prototype production, ensuring smooth integration of innovative materials and designs into the company’s prototype line. This role requires both strategic leadership and hands-on oversight, balancing technical direction with operational excellence. The Director will collaborate closely with the VP of Energy Storage, Prototype Line Project Manager, and cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality prototype cells on time and in alignment with company objectives.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Convert design priorities into actionable plans, timelines, and milestones.
• Interface between R&D scientists and operations teams to translate cell designs into manufacturable prototypes.
• Work with electrode (anode/cathode) and assembly leads to refine process improvements and protocols.
• Assess prototype equipment needs, prepare justifications, and recommend capex purchases to VP.
• Supervise the Operations Manager to ensure smooth day-to-day execution.
• Review line performance metrics (yield, capacity, CARs) and guide corrective actions.
• Meet regularly with Ops Manager to understand challenges, resolve issues, and provide direction.
• Co-develop and review SOPs and documentation with the Ops Manager to maintain ISO 9001 compliance.
• Implement quarterly KPIs for the prototype line and maintain a performance dashboard.
• Report prototype status, risks, and key learnings to the VP of Energy Storage.
• Coordinate across teams to ensure alignment on goals, resources, and project timelines.
• Serve as a bridge between engineering and operations for smooth project execution.
• Partner with the Project Manager to track deliverables, milestones, and resources

Success in This Role

The Director of New Cell Prototyping will be successful if they can:

• Deliver manufacturable prototype cells that accelerate technology validation.
• Maintain efficient, compliant operations on the prototype line.
• Develop and empower a strong technical and operational team.
• Establish clear processes that improve yield, reproducibility, and scalability.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. or M.S. in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline.
• or 10+ years of experience in lithium-ion or next-gen battery prototyping and scale-up space with demonstrated leadership.
• Demonstrated success leading multidisciplinary teams.
• Deep technical understanding of electrode design, cell architecture, and production workflows.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001 systems and industrial SOP development.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and leadership abilities.

Work Environment

Work is carried out in a wet chemical laboratory within a larger production facility. Employees in this role routinely handle hazardous chemicals and appropriate PPE must be donned at all times including gloves, eye protection and lab coats. An employee in this position works in an environment in which safety, environmental and health concerns may demand constant attention. Strict adherence to corporate and/or plant policies, rules and regulations in these areas is required. 

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands and fingers to handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.  At times, a respirator is required personal protective equipment to mitigate inhalation hazards. Employees are required to undertake and pass a respirator medical evaluation and annual respirator fit test.

The employee occasionally will work near moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is moderate. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform job functions.

Compensation/Benefits

• $120K - 160K. Forge Nano may adjust this compensation range depending on the skill level of the selected candidate

• Medical/dental/vision/disability and life insurance, holidays, PTO, Flexible Spending Account, potential for an annual cash Bonus and 401(k) plan with employer match

Forge Nano is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.